
Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 90 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point worth booking?
Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point is a 3-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $275 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 90 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (90)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $275 per person
Wooshkeetaan Tours is a locally owned small business committed to providing guest with unique and thrilling tours of the natural beauty of Port Frederick and Icy Strait. Our tours bring visitors from Icy Straight Point C
What you get
About this experience
Wooshkeetaan Tours is a locally owned small business committed to providing guest with unique and thrilling tours of the natural beauty of Port Frederick and Icy Strait. Our tours bring visitors from Icy Straight Point Cruise Ship port and Hoonah to the natural playground we enjoy and appreciate everyday. The waters near Icy Strait Point have some of the best humpback whale watching in the world. We often see otters, orcas, seals, various nautical birds and local brown bear. Our boat is comfortable with inside or outside seating. The unique shape (landing craft) of our boat allows us access to scenery many others are not able to traverse
What's included
Included
- Snacks and bottle water
What you'll see and do
Hoonah
During you tour you well see all kinds of Sea life from Humpback Whales, Sea Loins, Sea, Sea otter, sometimes Killer Whales and bears walking on the beach.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wooshkeetaan Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
86 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
great experience for families!
Billy was our tour guide on our tour that felt made for families. He kept the kids engaged the whole way out, pointing out whales, eagles, bears and sea lions. He even took us out far to find Orcas that were spotted by others. We know that all creatures aren't guaranteed to be seen, but luckily we got to see all of them. He was extremely patient with my children who had tons of questions about Hoonah and the animals. We were so close to the whales we could hear their songs before they surfaced! If you are lucky enough to get Billy you will have a great experience.
via Tripadvisor
A beautiful wildlife experience with unforgettable whale moments
Our trip to Icy Strait Point for whale watching and bear searching was a genuinely lovely experience, especially if you enjoy seeing wildlife in its natural environment. We were lucky enough to spot a few bears along the shoreline and several eagles overhead, which added a real sense of Alaskan wilderness to the day. Out on the water, the whales were all around us. We saw plenty of tails and distant blows, and at times you could feel how close they were even if they didn’t fully breach. We didn’t see quite as much surface activity as we might have hoped, but that’s part of the beauty of it — whales aren’t there for our amusement, and watching them behave naturally is still a privilege. The moments we did get were wonderful and memorable. One important piece of advice: wrap up extremely warm. Even though we visited in summer, the wind on the boat made it surprisingly cold. Layers, hats, gloves — you’ll be grateful for all of it once you’re out on the water. Overall, it was a lovely trip with some great wildlife sightings. A calm, respectful experience of nature that leaves you with lasting memories.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Whale Watching & Wildlife Experience!
Absolutely amazing whale-watching tour! We saw so much wildlife, including bears, orcas, and humpback whales. We truly could not have asked for a better experience. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly locals who made the tour even more enjoyable. Definitely a highlight of our trip and an experience we’ll never forget!
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking with Wooshkeetaan tours
via Tripadvisor
Bear Search/whale watch
Our bear guide was Annie and she was amazing. She gave thoughtful informed answers to every question and was extremely charismatic and competent. Could not recommend her more.
Response from the operator: thank you for booking with us
via Tripadvisor
Whale watching tour
Captain Billy was excellent both as a host on his boat and knowledge of water and wildlife. We saw whales, otters? Sea lions and a brown bear.
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking with Wooshkeetaan Tours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoonah.
How much does Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point cost?
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Prices start at $275 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hoonah usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hoonah is not rushed.
Is Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 90 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point?
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Around 31 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hoonah can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hoonah and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching and Bear Search-Icy Strait Point start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hoonah within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hoonah?
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Hoonah, AK packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Hoonah by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Hoonah experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Tours, "Catch of the day" Whale-watching, Icy strait point, Hoonah, Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hoonah?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Hoonah, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hoonah?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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